Learning activities

Investigating Urban Planning in Hornsby

Students examine the proposed redevelopment of Hornsby town centre and investigate how population growth influences housing, transport, employment and community infrastructure.

Fieldwork and Geographical Inquiry

Students use mapping, field sketches, photograph interpretation, surveys and environmental measuring equipment to collect and analyse primary fieldwork data.

Creating Sustainable Urban Places

Students evaluate the environmental, social and economic sustainability of proposed developments and investigate strategies that support more liveable communities.

Community Perspectives and Urban Change

Students investigate how individuals and communities contribute to planning and managing sustainable urban environments.

Suggested timetable

Time	Class
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country Overview of the day Revise completed pre-work
10.20am	Recess
10.40am	1. Field sketch at cenotaph 2. Investigation of sustainable urban features on the west side; economic, environmental, social 3. Investigation of heritage aspects 4. Environmental testing in Hornsby Park
12.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	1. Investigation of sustainable urban features on the east side; economic, environmental, social 2. Survey residents 3. Repeat environmental tests
1.40pm	Introduction of design project and conclusion
2.00pm	Departure

* This program caters for a maximum of 4 classes

Syllabus outcomes

Geography 7-10 Syllabus (2024)

Outcomes

• GE4-DFC-01 locates the diverse features and describes the characteristics of a range of places and environments

  GE4-PRI-01 explains the processes and interactions that change people, places and environments

  GE4-PER-01 examines and describes the perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues

  GE4-MAN-01 explains the management and protection of places and environments

  GE4-APC-01 explains Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship, care and management of Country

  GE4-TAP-01 selects and uses geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information

  GE4-COM-01 uses concepts and terminology to communicate geographical information for a range of purposes, audiences and contexts

Content

Urban planning for sustainability

• Diverse strategies for the effective management of sustainable urban places
• Investigation of the management of population change in Hornsby, including environmental, social and economic viewpoints
• Urban planning strategies that cater for diverse experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Knowledges of caring for Country and Place

Cost and details

Transport	Meet at the Cenotaph(opens in new window) grass next to Hornsby train station and bus interchange. Hornsby west side is easily accessible by both train and local bus routes.
Cost	2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class
Class numbers and size	Up to 4 classes Max. 30 students per class Please contact the centre if you have more than 4 classes.
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
Accessibility/toilets	Toilets are available at the train station and in Hornsby park, where the students will have lunch. The walking tour is wheelchair accessible, and the total distance is just over 1km on paved, flat ground.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask. Students wear sports uniform.
Adverse weather	On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements. Please check your bus company’s cancellation policy.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.